The Organization

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today condemned the killing of Yemeni journalists Abdel Hakim Al-Nour and Abdel Majid Al-Samawi, who died on 4 and 3 of October respectively. She also called on the authorities to ensure the safety of media workers.

“I condemn the killing of Abdel Hakim Al-Nour and Abdel Majid Al-Samawi,” the Director-General said. “It is essential that the authorities in Yemen respect the civilian status of journalists and recognize their right to fulfill their professional responsibilities in conditions of acceptable safety. The people of Yemen must be able to enjoy a free press and the basic human right of freedom of expression, both of which are essential for the country to emerge stronger from the present crisis.”

According to Reporters without Borders (RSF), Abdel Hakim Al-Nour was a cameraman and producer for the Mas production company and media chief of the Hayel Saeed Anam Association. He is reported to have sustained fatal injuries during the bombing of Taiz on the night of 4 to 5 October.

RSF also reported the death of television journalist Abdel Majid Al-Samawi who died on 3 October in Sanaa, bringing to five the number of journalists killed in Yemen since the start of unrest in February.